This study analyzed the burden of kidney cancer in China over a 30-year period using the latest GBD2021 cancer statistics. The research compared the incidence, mortality, prevalence, and DALY rate of kidney cancer in China to global levels from 1990 to 2021. The findings revealed that the age-standardized rates of kidney cancer in China were lower than the global average, but the growth rate of incidence and prevalence in China outpaced the global trends. While the incidence and prevalence rates increased in both China and globally, the age-standardized DALYs rate decreased. The study also noted a rising trend in 1-MIR for kidney cancer in both China and worldwide, with a more significant increase observed in China. Notably, since 2010, the 1-MIR of kidney cancer in China has surpassed the global level, suggesting improved survival rates and successful prevention and control efforts.
From 1990 to 2021, the incidence of kidney cancer in China has been steadily increasing, with the age-standardized incidence rate remaining below the global average. However, the annual increase in the age-standardized incidence rate among the Chinese population has been higher than the global average, with China experiencing a threefold increase compared to the global level. The rise in kidney cancer incidence in China may be attributed to overdiagnosis in recent decades, facilitated by advancements in detection methods that can now identify even small renal masses[16][17]. Furthermore, both the prevalence and mortality rates of kidney cancer in China have been on the rise, aligning with findings from previous research[18]. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption have been identified as potential risk factors for kidney cancer[19], with smoking significantly increasing the risk and alcohol consumption also being confirmed as a significant risk factor[20]. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases in recent years may also contribute to the rising rates of kidney cancer, with studies showing associations between hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and the risk of developing kidney cancer[21][22].
From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence, mortality, and prevalence of kidney cancer in men in China and globally were consistently higher than those in women. This trend of higher rates in men was also observed in previous studies[23][24]. Specifically, the standardized mortality rate of kidney cancer in men has increased, indicating a higher risk of death in recent years compared to women[25]. Previous research has highlighted that men with chronic kidney disease are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced cancer and have a higher mortality rate. Smoking is a known risk factor for kidney cancer incidence and prognosis[26]. Furthermore, studies suggest that women's greater emphasis on health checkups may lead to earlier detection and treatment of kidney cancer, resulting in lower mortality rates[27]. Gender differences in the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and imaging findings of renal cell carcinoma may impact diagnosis and treatment strategies[28]. In terms of age distribution, the proportion of males in all age groups has increased from 1990 to 2021, contrasting with the trend in females. Notably, the high proportion of standardized mortality rate in males is concentrated in the middle-aged group, particularly significant in Chinese males aged 40–54 in 2021, highlighting the severity of kidney cancer in the middle-aged male population.
The prevention of cancer and reduction in associated deaths can largely be achieved through widespread adoption of effective prevention measures. It is crucial to assess the long-term success and efficiency of such prevention programs. The Mortality-to-Incidence Ratio (MIR) is recognized as a straightforward and informative measure to gauge the effectiveness of cancer control programs[29]. Previous research has demonstrated that (1-MIR) is linked to the success of cancer prevention and control efforts, and has been utilized to explore the correlation between healthcare systems and cancer outcomes on a national[30] and global scale[31]. Previous studies have shown that (1-MIR) is associated with the effectiveness of cancer prevention and control, and this indicator has been used to examine the relationship between the health care system and cancer outcomes in the United States and globally[32][33]. In this study, (1-MIR) was used to evaluate the survival of kidney cancer and the effectiveness of cancer control in China and globally. This study employed (1-MIR) to assess the survival rates of kidney cancer and the effectiveness of cancer control efforts in China and globally. Between 1990 and 2021, the (1-MIR) for kidney cancer exhibited an upward trajectory in both China and worldwide, with a more pronounced increase observed in China. Throughout this period, the (1-MIR) for kidney cancer in China remained below the global average, but surpassed it after 2010, indicating a significant enhancement in kidney cancer survival rates. This improvement in kidney cancer survival could be attributed to factors such as socio-economic development and advancements in healthcare systems[34] [35]. Furthermore, the continual enhancement of cancer prevention and control systems over the past three decades has played a pivotal role in this progress[36].
This study examined the disease burden trends of kidney cancer from 1990 to 2021, comparing data between China and the global population. Findings indicate that the global disease burden continues to increase, with males experiencing a significantly higher burden than females. The age-standardized incidence and prevalence of kidney cancer in China are rising at a faster rate than the global average. The study underscores the urgent need for increased attention to the serious disease burden of kidney cancer. It also highlights the importance of enhancing research on risk factor exposure and strengthening prevention and control strategies.